Wisdom of the Ages

Six Suggestions and a Definition

From time to time I like to draw from material that I’ve used either in sermons or from talks I presented when I worked as a motivational speaker. Today is one of those times and I’m sharing with you six suggestions for making a difference (don’t we all want to do that?) and my definition of Positive Thinking (and it’s fine if you have your own definition.)

To make a difference:

1. Quit feeling sorry for yourself - because self-sympathy is the seed bed of all depression.

2. Try giving yourself away. Invest your life in something that will outlast it by doing something with no thought of repayment, no thought of praise, because happiness is a residual benefit and it comes only as a spill over of somebody else’s.

3. Develop a non-judgmental attitude toward every other person you know or meet. You have no idea the burden the person next to you, across from you, in front of you may be carrying in his or her heart and mind.

4. Think Positive! Positive thinking won’t let do anything, but it will let you do everything - better than negative thinking will.

5. Think of someone you love and tell them - now! Give them flowers - now, not at their funeral. Send someone a card in the mail or give them a present when there is no reason to.

6. Use your sense of humor. Laughter is the music of the gods and the ability to laugh is what distinguishes man from other creatures. And remember - your sense of humor should be based and measured by your ability to laugh at yourself.

I’ll close with my definition:

Positive Thinking is a way of looking at yourself that will help you build on your strengths, overcome your weaknesses and tolerate your limitations. It is a way of dealing with the things to be done with the realization that the greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to your potential - and to make the most of your resources and your opportunities.